Launch of Naloxone programme in Australia
The Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT (ENAACT) Committee is pleased to invite you to the Launch of Australia’s first overdose management program that provides naloxone on prescription to potential overdose victims.
A program has been developed and will be implemented to expand the availability of naloxone (Narcan ®) in the ACT. Naloxone is a schedule 4 opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is widely used in Australia and internationally by paramedics and hospital emergency department staff in cases of suspected opioid overdose. It has no psychoactive effect, is not a drug of dependence, and therefore, is not a substance which is likely to be diverted or misused.
The purpose of expanding naloxone availability is to further reduce and prevent death, disability and injury from opioid overdoses through providing training and resources to opioid users, and their friends and family members, who are potential overdose witnesses. The program aims to:
- Increase the effectiveness of interventions in opioid overdose management
- Provide comprehensive overdose management training to potential overdose witnesses
- Provide naloxone on prescription to potential overdose victims, and
- Reduce opioid overdoses through overdose prevention education.
The development of this program has been driven the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) and the multidisciplinary ENAACT Committee.
Speakers include:
- Ms Katy Gallagher MLA, Chief Minister, Minister for Health
- Ms Nicole Wiggins, Manager,Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy
Date: Friday 16 December 2011
Time: 9am – 11am (includes morning tea)
Venue: Reception Room, ACT Legislative Assembly
RSVP: Please to info@atoda.org.au by 14 December 2011
Note: The launch will take place following the 3rd annual ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Awards Ceremony which begin at 9am.
For further information about ENAACT and naloxone, including a Question and Answer information document, please click here.
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